Virtually all private sellers and car dealers will advertise a car at a price slightly higher than the market value in order to make a profit on the sale, and if you are trying to sell your own car, it can sometimes be hard to determine what the real value of it is.

So if you are trying to buy or sell a car, how exactly do you know what the “real” value of that car is? Check out these top tips to help you find out!

Get an online valuation estimate

The first thing to do would be to check out websites such as Parkers or Glass’s Guide. They will let you choose your car’s make, model, year of manufacture and you can even enter in the exact mileage for a more precise valuation estimate.

You will be able to get an estimate based on the condition (poor, fair or good), as well as the trade-in value of the car should you wish to trade it in for a newer car. You can also get a free car valuation at WeWantAnyCar (this website is great if you need to sell your car fast, by the way).

Check eBay Motors’ completed listings

One of the main reasons that people use eBay is to sell their cars using the eBay Motors part of their website (I’ve sold a few previous cars on there too).

Although it is obviously an auction website, it will also give you an indication of what real-world prices you are likely to attain if you were to sell your car today (or indeed, the value of the car you are interested in buying).

In order to check out the completed listings of cars that were advertised for sale through a classifieds advert or put through as an auction or “buy it now” auction, you will need to log in using your normal eBay username and password.

Should you not have an account on eBay, it is fairly straightforward – and free – to set one up. Alternatively, you could search with a friend or family member using their eBay account instead, should you not want to create one of your own.

Check current listings online

Another thing you can also do whilst you are online is to check out the current listings for the same make and model of your car. You can do this by looking at various websites that specifically offer motoring classifieds adverts, as well as other classifieds websites which also have a separate motoring classifieds section.

If your car is a popular model, then chances are someone has set up a community forum dedicated to it, so it’s worth doing a search to find out. Most, if not all forums, have a classifieds section where their members can post up for sale adverts.

Sometimes you might have to register to use the website, as some forums are private.

For those who love cars and knows a lot about cars, starting a used car business is a good idea. Not only will you get to have your own business, you will also have something that you care and are passionate about. A used car business need not be a huge undertaking at the start. It can be as simple as buying a single car and selling it. You can just grow your business slowly but surely.

You might think that with the number ofused cars for sale, there might not be a space for another business owner like you. However, if you are knowledgeable about cars, it will be easy for you to spot a good buy, haggle for a good price, and then sell it for profit quickly. Below is a quick and simple guide to help you start your own used car business.

Look for an excellent mechanic. You will have to know an excellent mechanic unless you are one. The key to finding a good car is having the knowledge and expertise to spot one. If you are not a mechanic yourself, you only need to know one that you can bring along when looking at old cars for sale that you can potentially purchase. Aside from helping with inspecting the car, your mechanic can also help in fixing up the car so that you can sell it for a much higher price.

Scout for your first car purchase. Once you have a mechanic that can help you, scout for your first used car purchase. You can check newspaper or online advertisements by people who are selling their cars. Try to avoid buying one from used car dealers because there is little chance that you can find a car with a relatively low price compared to its potential value. Once you have found a car that is deemed in good or excellent condition by your mechanic, try to haggle for a lower price from the seller.

Fix up the car. Once you have successfully purchased the car, fix up whatever is needed to be fixed up with the car. This is where your mechanic will be helpful once again. Also, it would be good if you can make the car more attractive to buyers by enhancing its selling points or spending a little bit more for extra features.

Put the car up for sale. Even if you are starting small, there are still many ways you can ut the car up for sale. You can have ads in newspapers or online buy-and-sell websites. You may also want to take advantage of social media by offering the car to your social media networks.

As every business knows, vans can be essential to a business but they can also be extremely expensive. It’s understandable that some companies choose to purchase used or second-hand vans as this seems to be cheaper than buying a brand new van – but is there another option?

In this article we discuss why it may work out cheaper to look at van leasing instead of purchasing a second hand van for your business.

There are always more maintenance issues with old vehicles; the more miles on the clock usually means the more maintenance and repair costs you will need to pay out. With a leased van you will have less maintenance issues as it’s a newer van and no MOTs will be required as it’s a brand new vehicle.

You will tend to find that the older vehicles are out of warranty and therefore you will pick up the tab for maintenance on the vehicle, not the manufacturer.

It’s important to remember that your vans represent your company. If you turn up for a job with a beat-up and run down van the customer will presume you are a run-down company, turn up in a brand new van and you will show customers that you care about the appearance of your company.

If you have a fleet of vans it looks nice if all vans are the same, but when purchasing second hand vans you are unable to be choosy about the vans your drivers have and it can result in having a hotchpotch of vans which lacks professionalism.

We all know that older vehicles emit more particulates than newer models and then can also be less fuel efficient. There are two concerns here – firstly you are paying more on fuel than you would if it was a newer model and secondly you may find your vehicles banned from the London Low Emission Zone.

Another concern with a second hand van is that you are locking away the capital. You are putting money into a van and when it comes round to selling the van you will lose money on it – this money could be put into improving other areas of the business.

In conclusion, purchasing a second hand van can hit your pocket in more ways than just the purchase of the vehicle due to maintenance costs. Purchasing a brand new van will cost more money but there will be less maintenance costs, however the money will be needed up front for the vehicle.

Another option is van leasing, as we know when you purchase a new vehicle you need a lot of money up front and the value of the van depreciates immediately but through van leasing you do not need a large amount upfront and the value depreciation is not your concern as after a few years you can take it back to the van leasing company and start again with a brand new van if you choose?

Today, we will take a look at the new golf launched by Volkswagen. This vehicle is the latest entrant in the golf series by Volkswagen. Today, we will take an in-depth look at this vehicle and give you our thoughts on the same. During this review, we will cover the performance as well as the features of the car.

Our aim is to provide you with a well-rounded view.

Let us start with how the new golf performs. This series comes with turbocharged engines. Volkswagen offers a number of choices when it comes to engines. You can choose from a 1.2-liter petrol engine that gives you a choice between 84 hp and 103 hp. The other option is a 1.4-liter petrol engine that offers either 120 hp or 138 hp. As a matter of fact the choice does not end here. The 1.6-liter diesel range offers 133 hp and the 2-liter engine offers 148 hp.

This vehicle maintains the amazing reliability of its predecessors. Both the steering and the suspension are extremely solid. This makes the ride comfortable and enjoyable. You never lose control of the vehicle. In addition to that we can also say that the car is extremely quiet. You will not hear the gears shifting or the suspension working hard. The ride maintains its smoothness, irrespective of the engines used. We did not feel any change when switching from the petrol model to the diesel model.

The new golf does not skimp on any safety features. The features included are:

- An anti-locking brake system for all four wheels;

- Airbags for the head both in the front and rear seats;

- An immobilizer system for the engine;

- An anchor for a child seat;

- Disc brakes in the front and the back;

- Traction and Stability control;

- Daytime running lights

These are only some of the features included in the vehicle. The care can seat five passengers. It has two versions – two doors and four doors. The floor of the vehicle can be adjusted to accommodate your luggage. The vehicle can easily seat driver and passenger who are six feet tall.

The standard features included in the vehicle are as follows:

- A cruise control system;

- An air-conditioning system;

- A driver’s seat which adjusts to your height;

- Adjustable armrest and lumbar;

- A navigation computer;

- Sound system with eight speakers, a CD player and an audio jack;

- Fifteen in wheels;

- A keyless entry system;

- Heated mirrors;

- Adjustable steering wheels

The luxury features in the new golf are as follows:

- Heated front seats;

- A Bluetooth interface;

- Option to plug in an iPod or a USB media player;

- Touch screen audio interface;

- Seventeen in wheels;

- Fog lights;

- Ambient cabin lighting system;

- Sunroof;

- LED running lights;

- Premium audio system;

Overall, the new golf from Volkswagen (I read very interesting things about it at the danish Volkswagen ny billig golf website) lives up to its expectations. What do you think? Take it out for a test drive and tell us how you feel about it.

We donate our used clothing and other items to charity, so why not other items that we no longer have a use for? You can make a difference in a big way by donating big ticket items like boats and cars to charitable organizations. The increase in charities accepting vehicle donations has led to a mutually beneficial and booming business, wherein the donor saves by claiming the donation on income taz returns and the charity is able to sell the vehicle and use the funds to further its cause. While this might seem like a straightforward way to do good in the world, there are some associated risks with donating your car.

Pros

Many charities have started to accept vehicles as a form of donation, so you can most likely find a charity that supports your favorite cause to donate to.

You can claim a huge deduction on your income tax returns when you donate your car to a charity approved by the IRS.

You get to save yourself the hassle of trying to find a buyer for your used car.

Donating a car makes it much easier to make a big difference for your charity with less financial impact to you than a cash donation.

Cons

Intermediaries that accept your car donation and then donate the proceeds to the charity of your choice often take a substantial cut away from your chosen cause. If the charities you support don’t accept car donations directly, you may be better off finding one that does.

To get a tax deduction, you’ll need to follow up with the charity to get paperwork that proves the vehicle’s value. Your estimate or the fair market value probably won’t cut it if your car is worth over $500.

The same paperwork to get rid of the car is still necessary- if you don’t formally re-title the vehicle, you could risk parking tickets and more down the line.

Tips

Avoid 3rd parties and try to donate your car directly to the charity of your choice.

Choose a charity that means a lot to you and has a big impact in its line of work. If the charities you usually support don’t accept car donations, take time to investigate alternatives instead of just picking the first charity you find. The Better Business Bureau can help you to evaluate charities whose activities you aren’t very familiar with.

Make 100% sure that your chosen charity is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is qualified by the IRS for donation deduction purposes.

If you have to use a middle man, do your research to find out how much of the proceeds from the car’s sale will actually go to the charity. Do they take a percentage, or a flat fee? Using an intermediary not only limits the effectiveness of your gift, but can also have tax implications.

Keep a thorough paper trail for tax purposes in order to claim the donation on your tax returns.

Deliver the car to the charity yourself so they don’t have to take money out of your donation to pay someone to come pick it up.

After spending good money on tires, most drivers fail to give them adequate maintenance. Tires play an important role in driving safety, so making sure they’re in road-worthy condition is essential. Below are a few tire tips and tricks to follow. Properly purchased and maintained tires will last longer than neglected ones, saving you money, and most importantly, keeping you safe.

1. Buy Quality Tires from a Reputable Brand

First and foremost, when you purchase new tires, make sure they’re from a reputable company and of premium quality. You and your car depend on them. Buying internationally known brands like Goodyear and Nokian tires ensures safety and affordability. Remember, your purchase should reflect your driving style, driving environment, and vehicle. After buying a new set of tires, try driving the vehicle initially for at least 200 miles at medium speed on dry roads.

2. Maintain the Correct Tire Pressure

Find out the right air pressure for your tires and make sure you maintain it. Check the pressure before and after long drives, during cold driving conditions, and when carrying heavy loads. Otherwise, check every month regularly on a fixed date.

Under-inflated tires can overheat, causing excessive and irregular wear from over exertion. This might even lead to a blowout. Besides, tires that have been riding around with the improper air pressure need to be replaced more often. Over-inflated ones lead to loss of proper road grip and less traction on braking, the consequences of which are obvious. Maintaining optimum tire pressure is even good for the environment as the correct pressure helps in making the vehicle more fuel efficient.

3. Select the Right Tire Tread

More tread just means more grip. Although legal limits are 1.6mm, driving with anything under 3.0mm can be risky. Do not just buy tires based on how the tire looks. Use a standard tread gauge and ensure tread depth is sufficient on all four tires. Check the inside, outside and center portions. How long tires will last with good tread in the end depends on the brand. For example, the usual length of service for quality Nokian tires can be as long as 60,000 miles.

4. Pay Attention to Balance and Alignment

Improper wheel alignment is the main reason for premature tire wear. Poor alignment and balance issues also contribute to over-consumption of fuel and loss of road grip. Check the alignment immediately if you sense the vehicle pulling towards either side while driving or if the steering wheel shakes when driving at high speeds.

5. Stay on Top of Tire Rotation

If you’re only buying two tires, always fit the new tires in the back. Having the better tires in the back means more driving control and directional stability. Also, be sure to have your tires rotated every so often – many people like to have this done at the same time as an oil change – in order to ensure even wear. In addition, replace the valves every time you change your tires. Properly tightened and functioning values with well fitted dust caps make sure the tires remain safe. Check for tears on the side, cracks, bulges, and damage to the wheel rim. Sub-standard products damage easily, but high-quality tires will last longer.

These five tire tips are extremely important to follow, primarily because they concern the safety of the car and its passengers. On top of being a smart car owner who properly maintains his or her vehicle, remember to avoid rash driving, excessive speeds, and frequent braking. Take good care of your car and it will take good care of you!

The Garden state is a wonderful place to explore, raise a family, or settle down. It offers the upscale pace of cities, beaches and shore living, woodlands and farms, and family-friendly suburbs. There is an environment for everyone, and a different feel to each part. While its diversity in living arrangements is beneficial, one thing to remember is that the laws of the state are all the same, no matter which environment you choose to live in. For your own safety, New Jersey holds high standards and regulations on most of their state laws. Motor vehicle regulations are no exception to these rules. Expect to cruise around in your car with style, while upholding a strict degree of safety. While most states can be fairly lenient in their safety inspection rules, NJ makes sure their residents are in tip-top shape while cruising on their highways.

NJ Inspection If you plan on driving around with your Toyota in NJ, be prepared to meet all of the necessary requirements to do so. While it may seem like a lot compared to other states, it’s all for safety’s sake! The rules of a NJ inspection have gone through some changes in recent years. Due to budget cuts, decisions needed to be made on what was most important for the vehicles of the Garden state. As of August 2010, residents will not have to worry about working lights, turn signals, or other mechanical safety aspects during their cars’ inspection. Although a damaged brake light or turn signal can still land you a ticket while driving, it won’t flunk you during a mandated inspection test. It’s up to you as the responsible driver to check and fix your lights and signals.

Emmissions Test The biggest test for your vehicle to undergo in a NJ inspection is the emissions test. While some states negate this portion all together, New Jersey adheres to a strict guideline when it comes to the quality of our environment. While efforts are being made every day to meet the air requirements set by the National Clean Air Act Standards, New Jersey still has not reached its goal. This is why the emissions portion of the inspection process is so crucial, not only for the safety of the vehicle but also for the safety and cleanliness of the environment. Vehicles that exceed national health standards will fail to pass the inspection, and must be assessed by a mechanic to have the emissions problem fixed. Gas caps will also be inspected to assure that it limits the escape of fumes into the environment.

Inspection Sticker If you pass the regulations of a New Jersey state inspection, you get shiny new sticker on your windshield saying to come back in another two years. Fortunately for people who reside in New Jersey who purchase a used, non-commercial vehicle inspection does not have to be done until the vehicles model is five years old. The inspection of motorcycles has also been cut and it’s up to the driver to keep their bike safe and secure while braving the roads.

Just like any state, safety and security is a top priority for the vehicles of New Jersey. The laws may vary, but they still exist. When making the move to the popular east coast state, be sure to review the laws and regulations necessary to reside there. It’ll make the transition much less stressful and much safer! Enjoy your ride into Jersey!

Your new car is your pride and joy. When you left the Ford dealership lot with your brand new car you were then hit with a terrifying thought—this is as good as your car will ever be, it is all downhill from here. There is no need to be so pessimistic about your new vehicle the second you drive it off the lot because with proper care and maintenance, you can keep it running like a brand new car for years to come. And there is no reason you and your car should not have a long, happy relationship together if you are willing to put the proper effort into it. Here are the ways to keep your car running like new for years to come.

Follow the Service Schedule

Did you read your owner’s manual? Well if you didn’t, do it now, because inside there is a service schedule that will tell you exactly what service your car will need and how often you should get it, according to Edmunds. The manufacturers build your car, they know the ins and outs of this vehicle better than anyone and therefore know what kind of maintenance is needed to keep it running at its best, so why would you choose to ignore the service schedule they laid out for you? They couldn’t have made it any easier for you if they scheduled the oil changes and tune-ups for you themselves! Do you and your car a favor and do not skimp on the maintenance, you will be thankful that you didn’t in the long run.

Don’t Make a Lot of Short Trips

Short trips of less than 10 minutes are actually really bad for your car, explains Cars.com. Whenever you can, try to pair up your short trips and errands to avoid short trips because they really are unkind to your car. Here’s what happens: when your car is on, one of the processes of engine combustion is it creates water. That water will then turn to vapor and be released out of the tailpipe or ventilation system, but if you are on a short trip, the water is never given the chance to heat to the point of turning to vapor. That means the water then just sits in the engine and exhaust system, which can lead to rust. Another problem with water just sitting in your engine is that it can dilute your oil, causing a need for more frequent oil changes.

Let Your Car Wake Up

When you first start your car, it needs a moment to wake up and get its gears greased, literally. When a car has been sitting for five or more hours, the oil has left all of the greased parts and drained back into the oil pan. So, when you first start your engine, you need to give it at least 30 seconds to allow the oil pump to lubricate your engine again. If your car has been sitting, unused for more than 24 hours, give it a little more time before putting it in gear and driving off to ensure proper lubrication.

Proper care of your car will help to ensure a long life, and when your car does have problems a quick visit to your Ford dealership parts and service department should have you fixed up and on your way in no time, especially if you have been doing your due diligence with preventative care.

Consumers frequently hunt for numerous characteristics when looking for a car. Some favor eight cylinders and horsepower while others merely want additional trendy accessories for a fantastic looking vehicle that manages smoothly. Furthermore, each driver likes to feel comfortable. Volkswagen provides quality service in each of these aspects. The company has built its standing by being professional and skillful, producing lustrous, magnificent, and long-lasting automobiles. Even today, Volkswagen auto parts provide true strength and superb performance, having stood the test of time in today’s world of car manufacturing.

Even though Volkswagen has advanced, their principles have remained grounded, from the innovative Beetle to the latest Jetta model. There are a number of Volkswagen accessories and parts that suit every VW models’ need to become ever more exemplar and conspicuous than before.

Finding Your Volkswagen Parts

Volkswagen body parts can be hard to find when you need them quickly. When you need VW auto body parts for your automobile, you should make sure that you know where to find them beforehand. Thankfully, there are online auto parts websites that offer numerous VW auto parts. However, if you have one of the older model Volkswagens, auto part dealers may need time to order the part specifically for VW model.

A Brief History of Volkswagen

Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturing company famous for its classiness and performance. Volkswagen vehicles are popular and respected for their up-to-date features, good quality, and endurance. Designed by well-known engineer Ferdinand Porsche, the initial Volkswagen was intended to be a compact, inexpensive, convenience for the everyday German citizen.

The legendary Volkswagen Beetle went into full production during the end of the 1940s, eventually landing on the American coast in 1949. By 1955, more than a million Volkswagens had been manufactured at the Wolfsburg factory, establishing the Beetle as a darling of overseas buyers. During the 60s, the Volkswagen skyrocketed.

The 90s were coming to a close, and the reemergence of the Jetta together with acquirements of choice luxury car brands like Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti, gave the automaker more leeway in a huge number of divisions. The 5th Generation Golf was launched in 2002. During that same year, the polished Touareg was introduced as a stylish, comfortable SUV. Volkswagen’s numbers steadily climbed in the United States as well, and the sophisticated Phaeton and the hardtop convertible Eos were hits. VW has reinforced itself as a winner in the automotive industry, which is a good thing. With the onslaught of the Internet, Volkswagen auto parts are more readily available. Many parts may have faded into obscurity without the availability of online merchants.

Conclusion

VW is a brand name that delivers classy vehicles offering smooth functioning and reliability. If you decide to reinstate Volkswagen parts, you will find a broad range of genuine car parts available at reasonable prices. Often times, you can find your required car parts via an online catalog at one of the many Volkswagen dealers by giving the make and model of your car. Keep in mind that older Volkswagen models may require a waiting period since the auto part will more than likely require special ordering. Some Volkswagen dealers will actually find the part for you if they do not have it in stock.

You used to be able to tell a lot about a person by the car they drove. Nowadays, unless you’re zooming around in a Ferrari or chuffing along in a vintage Bubble Car, cars tend to give out little information about what sort of person we are. But your car air freshener? Well, that can say a lot about who you are. Here’s a humorous, tongue-in-cheek guide to what your car air freshener says about YOU!

Hanging Jelly Bean/Dolphin/Little Shoe

These intensely sweet smelling car air fresheners are the reserve of the very old or the very young. This car is most likely packed to the rafters with unfeasibly glamorous blonde twenty-somethings, on a trip to buy half of the high street en route to a week ‘looking reem, smelling reem, and being reem’ in Majorca. Either that or it’s an old lady who happens to be the grandmother of an unfeasibly glamorous blonde twenty-something who couldn’t think what to buy her for Christmas.

Feu Orange Traffic Lights

Do not be fooled by the classic Feu Orange Traffic Light, dangling insouciantly from the rear-view mirror by a tiny gold chain. You have not fallen through a time warp back into your dad’s Cortina, circa 1982, Simon Bates is not going to start recounting a tragic tale of lost love on Radio 1 at any moment. Those days are, thankfully, over. What you have encountered here, no doubt in a 1982 Cortina, is the car air freshener of a Hipster. Hipsters love anything vintage. So even while they’re dry retching from the overpowering scent of the Feu Orange, they’ll be patting themselves on the back for getting the details spot on.

Naturally Scented Cedar Acorn

These naturally scented wooden car air fresheners are usually found in small cars with a small, environmentally friendly size engine. This driver is usually female, although they can also be males who share a fondness for yoga, quinoa and aromatherapy massages. This car is always spotless. There is a selection of herbal teas kept in the glove box with the emergency tea tree oil and arnica tablets. You can often hear this car approaching before you see it; the eerie, cawing grunts of whalesong booming out as the driver pulls up to Holland & Barrett.

No Car Air Freshener

Do not be mistaken, people who have no air freshener in their car are not in this position because their cars do not smell. Far from it, these drivers are usually busy working parents, who gave up the dream of a sweet smelling car after baby George got car sick from the smell of the scented cedar acorn during a fraught cross-country drive to the in-laws. Air fresheners have no chance in these cars, fighting a losing battle against the old banana skins trapped down the back of the seats, a year’s worth of muddy footprints on the back of the front head rests and half chewed crisp clinging cement-like to both of the children’s car seats.

So which one are you? And what does your car air freshener say about YOU?